Abstract: Objective [WTBZ]To evaluate the longterm effects of preoperative glucocorticoid treatment on postoperative complications and survival rates for patients receiving cardiac surgery. Methods [WTBZ] We selected 57 patients including 22 males and 35 females at an average age of 52.3±11.2 years in the First Hospital of China Medical University who took steroids for a long time because of various combined diseases from September 2002 to August 2009 in the trial group, and we chose another 171 patients including 62 males and 109 females at an average age of 53.6±9.2 years who were hospitalized at the same time and had comparative basic features in the control group. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in age, gender, and organ function. Different kinds of surgeries including coronary artery bypass grafting, heart valvuloplasty or valve replacement, coronary artery bypass grafting combined with heart valve replacement, and congenital heart disease surgery were performed on the patients. The proportion of surgeries carried out was similar in the two groups. Postoperative complications were compared between the two groups, and survival rates at the end of 6 months and one year followup were observed. Results [WTBZ]There was no statistical difference between the two groups in complications with respect to cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (t=1.27, Pgt;0.05), reoperation for excessive postoperative bleeding (χ2=0.03, P=0.87), sternal and mediastinal infection (χ2=0.04, P=0.84), stroke (χ2=0.07, P=0.79), and gastrointestinal tract complications (χ2=2.89, P=0.09). The incidence of ventricular arrhythmia and requirement for intraaortic balloon pump in the trial group was higher, but no statistical difference was detected (χ2=2.24, P=0.13; χ2=2.20, P=0.14, respectively). Patients in the trial group were more likely to require prolonged ventilation (t=2.32, Plt;0.05), had higher rate of atrial fibrillation (χ2=4.09, P=0.04), and higher inhospital mortality (χ2=5.35, P=0.02). The sixmonth and oneyear survival rates were 0.79±0.10 and 0.73±0.12, respectively for the trial group, 0.94±0.09 and 0.86±0.10, respectively for the control group. Conclusion Longterm steroid treatment leads to higher atrial fibrillation incidence, longer ventilation time and increases the mortality rate following cardiac surgery.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of memantine in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about memantine vs. donepezil for patients with AD from January 1989 to July 2011 were searched in CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data, MEDLINE, OVID, EMbase and The Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently screened the literatures, extracted the data, and evaluated the methodological quality. Then meta-analyses were conducted by using RevMan 5.0 software. Results The total 12 RCTs were included. Among the 2 716 patients involved, 1 459 were in the memantine group, while the other 1 302 were in the donepezil group. The results of meta-analyses showed that the efficacy of the memantine group was superior to that of the donepezil group in MMSE (MD=0.53, 95%CI 0.21 to 0.85, P=0.001), CIBIC-Plus (MD= –0.19, 95%CI –0.31 to –0.07, P=0.002), NPI (MD= –2.9, 95%CI –4.57 to –1.22, P=0.000 7) and SIB (MD=3.12, 95%CI 0.57 to 5.67, P=0.02), with significant differences; but the efficacy of the two groups was similar in ADCS-ADL19 (MD=0.29, 95%CI –0.03 to 0.60, P=0.07). There was no significant difference between the two groups in incidence of side effects (RR=1.14, 95%CI 0.94 to 1.38, P=0.17), but the tolerability of the memantine group was much better (RR=0.78, 95%CI 0.63 to 0.97, P=0.03). Conclusion Based on the current studies, memantine is superior to donepezil in treating Alzheimer’s disease (AD) at present. Although the side effects are similar to donepezil, memantine has much better intolerability and is considered to be safe and effective. For the quality restrictions and possible publication bias of the included studies, more double blind RCTs with high quality are required to further assess the effects.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Leflunomide (LEF) in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), so as to provide scientific proof for applying LEF in China. Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the effect of LEF on patients with RA from January 1989 to January 2011 were searched from the following databases, CNKI, WanFang Data, MEDLINE, EMbase and CBM. After two reviewers independently screened the studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data and assessed the quality, the data were analyzed by RevMan 5.0 software. Results Among 3247 patients in 16 included RCTs, 1711 patients were in the LEF group, while the other 1536 patients were in the Methotrexate (MXT) group. The results of meta-analyses showed there was no significant difference in the efficacy between LEF and MXT (RR=1.03, 95%CI 0.94 to 1.11, Pgt;0.05), but a significant difference was found in the side reaction (RR=0.67, 95%CI 0.49 to 0.94, Plt;0.05). Conclusion Based on the current studies, Leflunomide is as effective as the commonly-used Methotrexate in the treatment of rheumatiod arthritis at present, much safer than Methotrexate, and thought as a safe and effective SAARD. For the quality restrictions of the included studies, more double blind RCTs with high quality are required to further assess the effects.
ObjectiveTo summarize clinical experience of minimally invasive non-thoracoscopic Nuss procedure for the treatment of pectus excavatum (PE). MethodsFifty-one pediatric patients received minimally invasive nonthoracoscopic Nuss procedure for PE between July 2008 and February 2014 in Department of Thoracic Surgery, Jinan Military General Hospital. There were 32 males and 19 females with their average age of 8.32 (2.5-17.0) years. Transverse incisions were made in bilateral chest wall. Supporting plate was put to right chest wall through retrosternal approach, turned over and fastened onto the ribs. ResultsDeformity of all the patients was successfully corrected. Operation time was 30-52 (38±9) minutes. One patients had heart injury which was repair after open thoracotomy, and then supporting-plate was successfully secured. Postoperative complications included subcutaneous emphysema in 7 patients, pneumothorax in 3 patients and atelectasis in 3 patients, all of whom were cured by conservative treatment. Supportingplate transposition occurred in 1 patient and was corrected by reoperation. All the patients were followed up for 1-42 (21.6±7.6) months. According to Nuss standard, there were 39 patients with excellent results, 9 patients with good results, and 3 patients with fair results. ConclusionMinimally invasive Nuss procedure is an efficacious, easy, feasible and safe procedure for the treatment of PE with low morbidity.
Objective To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthroplasty versus arthrodesis for rheumatoid forefoot deformity. Methods The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about the first MTP joint arthroplasty vs. arthrodesis for rheumatoid forefoot deformity published by February 2012 were searched in the databases such as CNKI, Ovid, MEDLINE, CBM, EMbase, WanFang Data, The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2012), and KJEBM. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and evaluated the methodological quality according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.1 software. Results A total of 4 RCTs were included. Among total 206 (269 feet) patients involved in, 98 (130 feet) were in the arthroplasty group, while the other 108 (139 feet) were in the arthrodesis group. The results of meta-analysis showed that the arthrodesis group was superior to the arthroplasty group in the footwear (MD=−0.88, 95%CI −1.55 to −0.22, P=0.01), and the alignment (MD=−5.04, 95%CI −8.94 to −1.14, Plt;0.000 01) with significant differences. But there were no significant differences between the two groups in patient satisfaction, metastatic lesions, pain, activity and weight-bearing of Hallux. Conclusion Based on the current studies, arthrodesis is superior to arthroplasty in treating rheumatoid forefoot deformity. For the quality restrictions and possible publication bias of the included studies, more double blind, high quality RCTs are required to further evaluate the effects.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of airway management drugs on the respiratory function and postoperative recovery of patients who had moderate or severe chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases(COPD) undergoing an open chest surgery. MethodThere were a total of 22 patients suffering from both lung cancer, esophageal cancer or gastroesophageal junction carcinoma and moderate to severe COPD(of which there were 16 males and 6 females; accepting traditional operation 5 cases and minimally-invasive operation 17 cases; lung cancer 16 cases, esophageal cancer 4 cases and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma 2 cases as the observation group). To statistic the respiratory function and arterial blood gas analysis before and after treating with airway management drugs. And compare the postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs) and hospital-stay with 50 patients who have no COPD(of which there were 34 males and 16 females; accepting traditional operation 17 cases and minimally-invasive operation 33 cases; lung cancer 35 cases, esophageal cancer 11 cases and gastroesophageal junction carcinoma 4 cases as the control group). ResultThere was a statistical difference of forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1), forced vital capacity(FVC) and maximal voluntary ventilation(MVV) after the above treatment by 7 to 10 days and comparing with prior treatment(P<0.05). Partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2) increased with no statistical difference(P>0.05) while PaCO2 decreased with a statistical difference(P<0.05）. Comparing with patients without COPD, the incidences of PPCs and postoperative hospital stay were of no statistical difference(P>0.05). ConclusionPatients with moderate or severe COPD with airway management drugs(antibiotics,glucocorticoids, bronchodilators and phlegm dissolving agent) in perioperative period could improve the respiratory function and operation tolerance effectively, reduce the incidence of PPCs and shorten postoperative hospital stay.
Objective To evaluate the security and outcomes of thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy (TLE) versus open approach (OA) for thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Methods From June 2014 to June 2015, 125 patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent esophagectomy through McKeown approach, including TLE (a TLE group, 107 patients, 77 males and 30 females) and OA (an OA group, 18 patients, 13 males and 5 females). The data of operation and postoperative complications of the two groups were analyzed retrospectively. Results There was no statistical difference in the duration of operation and ICU stay and resected lymph nodes around laryngeal recurrent nerve between the TLE group and the OA group (333.58±72.84 min vs. 369.17±91.24 min, P=0.067; 2.84±1.44 d vs. 6.44±13.46 d, P=0.272; 4.71±3.87 vs. 3.89±3.97, P=0.408) . There was a statistical difference in blood loss, total resected lymph nodes and resected lymph nodes groups between TLE group and OA group (222.62±139.77 ml vs. 427.78±276.65, P=0.006; 19.62±9.61 vs. 14.61±8.07, P=0.038; 3.70±0.99 vs. 3.11±1.13, P=0.024). The rate of postoperative complications was 32.7% in the TLE group and 38.9% in the OA group (P=0.608). There was a statistical difference (P=0.011) in incidence of pulmonary infection (2.8% in the TLE group and 16.7% in the OA group). Incidences of complications, such as anastomotic leakage, cardiac complications, left-side hydrothorax, right-side pneumothorax, voice hoarse and incision infection, showed no statistical difference between two groups. Conclusion For patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, TLE possesses advantages of more harvested lymph nodes, less blood loss and less pulmonary infection comparing with open approach, and is complied with the principles of security and oncological radicality of surgery.
ObjectiveTo investigate the diagnostic value and the best criteria of multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) of spiral CT in recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis.MethodsWe performed multiplanar reconstruction of the spiral CT data of 138 esophageal carcinoma patients admitted to our hospital between December 2016 and June 2019, including 113 males and 25 females with an average age of 47-85 (63.03±15.58) years. The short and long diameters of recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes were measured respectively, and then ratio of short to long diameter was calculated. The three parameters were contrasted with the pathological results and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the parameters were drawn.ResultsOf the 138 patients, 291 left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes were dissected with an average number of 0-14 (2.11±0.41) per patient and the metastasis rate was 16.70%; while 436 right ones were dissected with the average number of 0-17 (3.16±0.45) per patient and the metastasis rate was 21.00%. The total metastasis rate was 29.70%. In the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis, the areas under ROC curve for short and long diameters as well as the ratio of short to long diameter of left recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes were 0.808, 0.779, 0.621, respectively, while those for the right ones were 0.865, 0.807, 0.637, respectively.ConclusionThe metastasis rate of recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph nodes is high and the short diameter has a higher diagnostic value for recurrent laryngeal nerve lymph node metastasis.
Objective To understand the attitude of xinjiang medical workers towards national essential drugs and the requirements and suggestions about training, so as to provide necessary baseline information for spreading the application of Essential Medicine List (EML) in Xinjiang. Methods A questionnaire designed by Chinese Evidence-Based Medical Center was distributed for a face-to-face survey. The data were double-input by EpiData 3.1 with double checks, and statistically analyzed by EXCEL with constituent ratio as the statistical index. Results A total of 80 questionnaires were distributed and then retrieved with 100% recovery rate. Respondents employed in six public hospitals at or above the county level and in six community health service centers as well. a) The accuracy of 80 respondents about the basic concepts of essential drugs, serviceable range of EML, and the relationship between EML and basic medicare drug list were 72.6%, 89.5% and 17.8%, respectively; b) 33.8% (27) of the respondents always firstly considered using the essential medicine in their prescription, and 22.5% (18) of the respondents considered using essential drugs in most cases; c) EML were welcome loy 35% (28) of the respondents; d) The problems of practicing EML issued by respondents were the following in order: doctors’ awareness of essential drugs and prescribing habit of doctors, the safety and effectiveness of essential drugs, lower income, patients’ awareness of essential drugs and preference to medication, and the applicability of the essential medicine list; e) The main approaches to getting information about essential drugs were academic seminars (37 person-time, 46.2%), professional journals (27 person-time, 33.8%) and documents (25 person-time, 31.2%); f) There were 46 respondents who had participated in EML training once or twice; g) The total EML training or learning time of 34 respondents (42.5%) was less than one week; and h) Respondents suggested that, the training objects should be medical personnel, pharmacists and administrators; the training contents should be rational drug use, formularies and the use of essential drugs, drug policy, and the effectiveness of integration of the traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine; the training methods should be theoretical teaching and online learning; and the training place should be hospitals, homes or offices. Conclusion It is extremely urgent to improve doctors’ awareness of EML and strengthen the training of usage, and to conduct the research on EML applicability and effectiveness evaluation, financial subsidies, medical staff income, purchase and reimbursement problems.